MDC, partners host Third Annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt Oct. 10-12

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) will partner with multiple organizations to host the Third Annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt scheduled for Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12. Mentored hunts will take place in several counties during Missouri’s early firearms antlerless deer season.

The mentored hunts are made possible through partnerships with the Conservation Federation of Missouri, National Wild Turkey Federation, National Deer Association, Missouri Hunting Heritage Foundation, Pheasants & Quail Forever, Kansas City Safari Club International, Missouri Disabled Sportsmen, Missouri’s Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, Whitetails Unlimited, ALPS Outdoorz, Dead End Game Calls, MO Woods and Wildlife, and Missouri Back Country Hunters and Anglers.

“These partners have come together to host events endorsed by Governor Mike Kehoe that mentor new hunters and manage deer populations for participating landowners,” said MDC Education and Outreach Coordinator Rob Garver. “This is a great opportunity for people to learn more about hunting and get a chance to harvest their first deer.”

During the weekend, participants will not only go a field with their mentor to hunt, but also learn about hunting’s role in conservation, deer biology, hunting strategy and etiquette, firearm safety, and more.

The deadline to register is Sunday, Aug. 31. Those interested will first register on the MDC website at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4tX. Once registered, users will be contacted to fill out an application. Preference will be given to applicants who have never hunted or never harvested a deer. Mentored hunts will be held in Audrain, Benton, Howell, Madison, Maries, Phelps, Osage, Pike, Putnam, and Shelby counties.

Selected applicants will need to purchase a Firearms Antlerless Deer Hunting Permit or a Firearms Any-Deer Hunting Permit. Those without hunter education certificates may apply with an Apprentice Hunter Authorization. Learn more about Missouri’s Apprentice Hunter program online at https://short.mdc.mo.gov/4ex.

To learn more about the Annual Governor’s Mentored Deer Hunt, contact MDC Outreach and Education Coordinator Rob Garver at 573-522-4115 ext. 6507 or at Rob.Garver@mdc.mo.gov.